To sell your house in the UK is now becoming seriously expensive. With the average house price of around £200,000 and estate agent commission rates averaging 2% the typical seller is now faced with a bill of £4000 + 17.5% VAT to sell his house. Many frustrated sellers are becoming increasing keen to avoid these bills by selling their house privately. They are using private house sale web sites and paying less than £200.
For some house sellers the question is not one of money. They simply consider their estate agent to be useless because they fail to arrange even a single viewing after having the house on their books for weeks or even months. They seem to do little to actually sell the property and earn their money.
In the past house sellers had no choice but to use an estate agent. They were the only ones with shop windows to display properties and access to cheap advertising rates in the local press. But with the Internet there is a new opportunity for sellers to escape from what many see as the expensive and poor service of a 'middleman'.
So how do you go about selling your house online and successfully finding a buyer?
- Prepare your house outside and inside. Your house must make a good first impression - kerb appeal. So repair damaged fences, mow the lawn and tidy the garden. Pay particular attention to the front entrance. Inside remove clutter and clean really thoroughly. No-one wants to move into a dirty house.
- Consider any home improvements that would be worthwhile. Most are not worth doing because they do not get back even the money that was put into them. But decorating is often worthwhile. It can add up to 10% to the value of a run down home.
- Set your price by comparing your house with similar properties up for sale. When selling your house setting the right asking price is critical. The single biggest reason homes fail to sell is setting a price above what similar homes are selling for in the same neighborhood.
- Choose one of the large and established property web sites set up to help homeowners sell their houses privately. They will advertise your property and you must do the selling. But do not simply rely on the Internet to sell your house. A common mistake made by people selling their house privately is sitting back and waiting for the ad on the property internet site to sell their house. To sell your house fast you should use all means available including adverts in newspapers, 'house for sale' boards, open houses and flyers delivered locally.
- Finally you have to arrange to show the house to prospective buyers. You need to manage inquiries, arrange accompanied viewings and negotiate a sale once you receive offers. So work out how you can fit these tasks into your diary especially if you work full time.
Follow these simple steps and you have the answer to the question, "How do I sell my house privately?"
How would you like to save £4700 in estate agent fees by selling your house privately on the internet for less than £200? Real estate enthusiast William Bell explains what you need to do to sell your house online successfully.
Web Site - www.sell-my-house-privately.co.uk
